State secures $112 million for railroad

FOUR LAKES – The railway system serving Eastern Washington's wheat industry in Adams, Lincoln, Whitman and southern Spokane Counties will be getting a facelift, thanks to $112 million in grants.

The state Department of Transportation has been awarded s $72.8 million grant for the Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad Project.

The grant, a product of the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement program, is dedicated to enhancing passenger and freight rail safety, efficiency and reliability.

Bolstering this federal grant is a $39.2 million in state funding sourced from the Move Ahead Washington transportation package, complemented by contributions from local and private entities.

Federal Railroad Administration Deputy Administrator Jennifer Mitchell emphasized the project's overarching goal during a ceremony Friday, Sept. 29, at the Highline Grain rail facility on Craig Road.

Dozens of county, state and federal officials and agriculture representatives attended the ceremony, which include tours of the Highline Grain facility and photos with the "Grain Train."

Railbeds, rails and trestles are aging, and some have been affected by wildfires and are in need of repairs and upgrades.

"We are trying to make the railroad more resilient to a changing climate and potential wildfires," Mitchell said.

The rail system has been damaged due to wildfires and other natural events, a concern echoed by Mike Gribner, assistant transportation secretary.

Gribner highlighted a key preventative measure, commenting on the Rebel Flat Creek trestle destroyed Aug. 18 in the Winona Fire.

The wooden spanned at the town of Winona burned, cutting off wheat transportation between Whitman and Adams Counties.

"The bridge we're putting back is steel and concrete," he said. "So, next time a wildfire rolls in, it won't be destroyed."

The Palouse River and Coulee City rail system serves as a vital lifeline for communities in Adams, Grant, Lincoln, Spokane, and Whitman Counties, officials said. It facilitates the transportation of goods and passengers, contributing significantly to the region's economy.

However, years of deferred maintenance have taken their toll on rail infrastructure.

The funding secured for the PCC Project will be directed towards several critical objectives.

Safety improvements will be a top priority, with enhancements aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew, officials said. Moreover, the project will focus on upgrading the efficiency and reliability of freight services, reducing transportation bottlenecks and enhancing overall accessibility.

Community support has been instrumental in securing funding, officials said. Additionally, private partners have joined forces with public agencies to ensure the project's success.

Alex McGregor, chairman of The McGregor Co. of Colfax, emphasized the project's broader economic impact.

"It's going to greatly impact Lincoln County," McGregor said. "We rely on rail, barges and trucks for lesser distances; 90% of the wheat we grow goes to hungry people around the world."

The McGregor Company serves growers in Washington, Idaho and Oregon with the seed, crop inputs, equipment, research and advice needed to raise healthy, sustainable crops, according to the company website.

This project not only enhances regional connectivity but also plays a pivotal role in global trade, facilitating the movement of agricultural products to international markets, McGregor said.